Further Adventures in Campaign-Speak That Makes Us Cringe

As promised, we here at Death Race are keeping our eye on particularly flagrant or counterproductive campaign-speak. But why limit ourselves to Obama and Romney? Today's installment comes from the Massachusetts Senate race pitting Republican incumbent Scott Brown against populist Dem challenger Elizabeth Warrenand it's a classic example of how a ridiculous campaign quote can ruin a perfectly good story. Here's the deal.

Brown, being a Republican, has said he opposes the Affordable Care Act. But today it came to light thatruh-rohhe's taking advantage of one of the bill's most popular provisions, the one that says dependent children can stay on their parents' health plans until they're 26. In Brown's case, this means coverage for his 23-year-old daughter, who's trying to make it as a professional singer. Pay dirt for Warren! Duplicity by her opponent, and a concrete illustration of the ACA's benefits, all wrapped up into one. Which is where Warren's campaign was headed when they said this:

"He says he likes being able to keep his daughter on the family health insurance plan;
what he doesn't say is that he voted to stop other parents from doing the same.''

Excellent point. But then they had to go and say this: "Scott Brown spells health care: H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-S-Y.''

Come. On. People. Less is more! But that's the thingcampaigns often can't help themselves, even when the zinger they crave is the overly political dud that will make readers click to the next article. Let's just hope they leave it out of the attack ads.